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2024 Smoker Craft Adventurer 210 GLS Sport

Boat Reviews

Boat Review by: Rick Layzell

smokercraft adventurer 210 gls sport docked

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1) Fishing capabilities

2) Family fun options

3) Delightful entertainer

If the options above define your wish list for on-water excitement, then the Smoker Craft Adventurer 210 GLS Sport is worthy of a serious look. Smoker Craft have been in or around the boat business since 1921 and over the decades their independent, family run (still to this day) business has focused on crafting exceptional memory makers. From their early start as the world leader in oars and paddle production, to today’s production family of over 700 skilled craftsmen and women, few in the industry can attest to putting more families on the water than Smoker Craft.

The Adventurer Series offers up a fine watercraft with a variety of standard features and available options ranging from 17’ to 21’ across 10 uniquely targeted model configurations. The 210 GLS Sport sits at the very top of this series and showcases many best in class features.

But first, let’s look outside before we go inside. Available in multiple colour options, the 210 Sport delivers excellent curb appeal thanks to aggressive and stylish hullside graphics. The positioning of the big and bold Smoker Craft logo is a statement. Our test boat was dressed in Silver Metallic with a white stripe and red accent tones and she was sexy, to say the least. Her tall windshield beckons anglers to waterways in early spring and late fall and the Yamaha Vmax 250 SHO on her transom left little doubt that she would be an exceptional performer.

Underneath the waterline, the hull construction features Vertex Performance Strakes which deliver exceptional hole shots (multiple tests showed an average of 3.2 seconds from full stop to on plane. Giddy up!), plus excellent handling and ride results. The 4 performance lifting strakes are installed in ideal positions to work in harmony with the performance pad and together these enhanced controls deliver appreciable stability and a high and dry ride.

With a hull length overall of 20’6” and a generous 8’6” beam, the 210 offers up plenty of interior space – I noted a total of 7 seat bases in her full interior plus a pair of jump seats that readily fold down to create the rear casting deck.

Smart and functional features are found everywhere in the 210 GLS Sport. A few standouts for me were the easy to clean vinyl cockpit with a full-length drainage system and a washdown hose tucked in under the starboard gunnel. A 15-gallon livewell resides in the bow while the stern deck houses a 25 gallon livewell. I noted that both are aerated with re-circulation systems. The enormous lockable rod storage in the center walk thru holds up to 12 rods (up to 8’) and provides battery bases for 3 accessory batteries. Tucked in here is the Yarblow Ventilation System which allows you to store your wet gear before activating the system with the flip of a switch — protecting your investments with a ventilation system that prevents mold and mildew. Underneath the gunnels is enough space for easily another 6 rod and reel combos. The IGTS – Integrated Gunnel Track System – which runs bow to stern can accommodate fishing accessories of your preference in your desired locations.

Family friendly features include a rear base for a ski tow pylon to entertain the kids (of all ages), luxurious wood free captain and co-captain chairs, drink holders spread throughout the interior, a Jensen Bluetooth sound system, interior mood lighting package and plenty of freeboard to keep our youngest onboard safe and secure.

The helm station has been treated to multiple upgrades and the implementation of a rotomoulded dash means a lifetime of never worrying about wear, cracking, or fading. I was appreciative of the space behind the tall windshield and noted plenty of room at the helm for installing your preference of sonar, graphs, or other devices. The tastefully wrapped, three-spoke steering wheel features a tilt offering as well as hydraulic steering. Our test boat was optioned up with a full canvas package offering side, walk thru, and rear drop curtains, as well as a mooring cover with ratchet straps.

On water testing was performed on southern Georgian Bay on a steamy hot 28 C day (that’s near 90 F) with calm seas and mild winds. With the camera boat in the lead we made our way to the testing grounds through a speed controlled channel which gave me 10 minutes to feel my way around the boat before truly engaging that sweet Yamaha 250 Vmax SHO. As the camera boat paused to set gear I took the opportunity to perform hole shot tests. I ran the Adventurer through a series of cruising speeds, pushing my way aggressively into my own wakes to test the hulls capabilities before finally winding up the SHO to uncover her top speed. Fast is an understatement.

After being very satisfied with blistering near 3 second hole shots, I smiled though a multitude of cruising speed trials as I quickly uncovered the importance of trim with this combination of boat and engine. Smoker Craft’s hull system performs beautifully and the SHO works flawlessly while consistently wanting to be set at roughly half trim. This applied to my cruising speeds which I liked at 21 and 28 mph, as well as my rock and roll top speed which charted in at 55 mph. Side note: my gut says there is a little more top speed on calmer waters and with the engine broken in after her first 10 hours or so.

The Adventurer takes a maximum of 250 HP, and while I am not convinced it needs the full 250, it has to be noted that I was running solo with a half tank of fuel and only basic safety gear onboard. Add in a full load of fuel, guests, and fishing gear alongside your desire for plenty of power and the 250 might be the perfect ticket.

There’s a lot of boat here capable of satisfying a lot of dreams and creating a ton of memories. If fishing, family, and entertaining are all on your short list then get into a local boat show or your Smoker Craft dealer and check out the Adventurer 210 GLS Sport. This is an incredible all round performer.